
Find the Best Criminal Lawyer for your charges.
William Lee
★★★★★Max and Luke are amazing lawyers. I had a lot of anxiety about my case. Both put me at ease, provided me a mitigation plan and went to work in the court room. My case was totally dismissed. If you need a defense attorney who really looks out for their clients you better call Max and Look. Outstanding criminal defense!!!!!!
Dwayne Davis
★★★★★Great experience when I mean just pay the money n sit back is exactly what I got N a dismal they are a great law firm deff recommend n very professional
Dalton
★★★★★Max was supportive, helpful, and always quick to answer. He knew everyone in the court house and I valued his guidance highly. He got most charges dismissed and the remaining charge lessened, which ultimately ended with a PBJ.
Tay Hands
★★★★★Get a Gun charge, Anne Arundel County violated my 4th amendment. This law firm wasted no time. Case didnt even make it to trial got thrown out before
J B
★★★★★Max and Luke did an outstanding job representing me-professional, knowledgeable, and always responsive. They took the time to explain every step clearly, made me feel supported throughout the process, and delivered excellent results. I couldn't be more grateful for their expertise and dedication, and I would highly recommend them to anyone in need of legal help.
Claire
★★★★★When my options appeared limited and the likelihood of a satisfactory resolution seemed nigh impossible Mr. Woods was able to secure me a favorable outcome. Mr. Woods calm and empathic demeanor provided relief in a highly stressful situation. Further, my case was handled with great care and professionalism and I highly recommend Mr Woods to anyone in need of legal counsel.
Bill Iteinjoh
★★★★★Max Frizalone was very helpful to me as a lawyer. He displayed professionalism, good communication, and an overall proactive nature during process. They're genuinely on your side to work for the best outcome while being realistic and honest. Would not hesitate to work with this team again if the need arose. Thanks again Max.
Darrian Holland
★★★★★I would recommend them to anyone. Fast responding at any giving time of the day. They are very knowledgeable.
sam dewitt
★★★★★The knowledge, experience, and service recieved from this office was above and beyond. Whether you are going through complicated protective order issues or frivolous criminal charges, look no further! Best decision I ever made was to hire Max to represent me through multiple cases, and I am grateful for the service I received!
Titi Sonekan
★★★★★Mr. Luke is the best lawyer I have ever met. He is one of the highest class of talent. He gave me comfort and peace of mind about my case from the first day I hired him, and he truly delivered. He got the case discharged before the court date. I am so amazed and grateful. Thank you, Mr . Luke!
ST
★★★★★Mr. Frizalone is honest and reliable. He did what he said he would do. Ex-wife filed a frivolous criminal charge against me, Mr. Frizalone got my case dismissed without going to trial.
Just
★★★★★I had found out that I had a warrant on Friday the 14th. Like many of us I didn't know what to do and was also straped for cash. I contacted the court looking to get a lawyer. I told them my situation and I needed to have the warrant recalled as soon as yesterday due to employment and this was on my background. Luke and Max worked with me got the motion fo recall in the courthouse on the 14th the motion to recall was recalled on the 18th. I recommend Frizzwoids LLC 100%...
don davis
★★★★★Luke is great!! Great communication and very professional, walked me through the whole process…Got me off my DUI case easy!!
Gabriel Garcia
★★★★★Max and his team have been great! From the beginning he was professional, knowledgeable and incredibly responsive. I highly recommend him and his team to everyone!
caressa neal
★★★★★I had an amazing experience working with both Max and Luke. They were professional, responsive, and truly had my best interests at heart every step of the way. They made the entire process feel smooth and stress-free, always taking the time to explain things clearly and keep me updated. I couldn’t have asked for better representation and would highly recommend them to anyone needing a knowledgeable and dedicated attorneys.
Paul
★★★★★These guys are the ones you want to have saved in your phone just incase something were to ever happen. I had contacted the firm two weeks or so after I had gotten myself into a pickle. It's something to be said that I wish I would have had their number the same day.A few words I could describe this company as is tenacious, professional, knowledgeable and above all which you could hope from a firm... loyalty.
Candance Gant
★★★★★Luke Woods was reasonably priced, gave me the complete instructions on what I needed to do to help my case, very professional, curious, and even helped me in the capacity as a decent human being. Made sure that I understood my case to the fullest and made me feel comfortable throughout the entire process. I 100% recommend this veteran lawyer to everyone who needs a great attorney to work for you.
Wade
★★★★★I was falsely accused of a serious felony, something which I could have gotten life in prison if I was convicted. I consulted many attorneys. I then met and hired Luke Woods and Max Frizalone, serious, experienced trial attorneys. They listened to me, went over the evidence, pointed out all the defenses, investigated and talked to witnesses, and went to bat for me with the judge and the state. They got ALL of my charges dismissed!
Areas of Expertise
Practice Areas
DUI & DWI Defense
Facing a DUI or DWI charge? We review traffic stops, field sobriety testing, breath or blood evidence, and license consequences. Learn more about our Maryland DUI and DWI defense.
Felony Criminal Defense Attorney in Maryland
Facing a felony such as robbery, first degree assault, or drug distribution? We prepare cases for trial and use that work in negotiations. Get a free strategy session today.
Experienced Maryland Gun Charge Lawyer
Maryland firearm laws are strict. We defend unlawful possession, ghost gun charges, and firearm use in a crime of violence. See more on gun charges or talk with us now.
Former Prosecutor and Former Public Defender Insight

Our team includes former prosecutors, former public defenders, and military veterans. Those perspectives help us pressure test the State's case, spot issues early, and file the right motions at the right time.
- Early action: We move quickly on discovery, preservation of evidence, and targeted motions.
- Pressure-testing the State: Stop basis, search, statements, forensics, and witness credibility all get scrutinized.
- Leverage through preparation: We prepare as if the case will be tried, then use that work to negotiate from strength.
- Client focused: We act in your best interests at every stage to secure the best possible outcome.
Experienced Maryland Criminal Defense Attorneys
FrizWoods is a defense firm built for courtroom work. Founded by Max Frizalone and Luke Woods, our current attorney team represents clients facing various criminal offenses across the state of Maryland including Howard County, Prince George's County, and Anne Arundel County. You will work directly with your lawyer, not be passed around.
Why clients choose us
- Defense only: We focus on criminal law every day.
- Courtroom experience: Prosecution, public-defense, military, and criminal-trial backgrounds.
- Direct access: Call or text your attorney for real answers, fast.
- System Knowledge: We navigate the criminal justice system in District and Circuit Courts throughout central Maryland.
Comprehensive Maryland Criminal Defense
We defend the full range of charges and guide you through our core practice areas. Whether it is a misdemeanor or a serious felony, we fight to avoid the maximum penalty or a heavy fine.
- DUI and DWI: First offenses and repeat allegations. See our DUI defense.
- Drug Charges: Possession, distribution, and conspiracy. Visit drug charges.
- Gun and firearm cases: Unlawful possession, ghost guns, and firearm use in a crime of violence. Explore gun charge defense.
- Theft and property: Shoplifting and felony theft. Read about theft defense.
- Assault and violent offenses: Including first degree assault.
- Felony defense: Complex cases prepared for trial. See felony defense.
Start with a free consultation. We will review the offense in Maryland, potential defenses, and next steps tailored to your case.
Results that Matter
Our Results In Numbers
1351
Cases handled since 2022
Since January 2022, we've represented clients in over a thousand criminal and traffic matters across Prince George's, Howard, Anne Arundel, Calvert Counties.
636
Cases Resolved Without Conviction or Plea¹
In nearly half of our cases, the charges were dismissed, nolle prossed, stetted, or resolved by acquittal without our client ever entering a guilty plea.
927
Convictions Avoided²
Through motions practice, negotiation, and trial advocacy, we've helped clients avoid a conviction -- preserving careers, licenses, immigration status, and peace of mind.
37+
Combined Years of Experience
Our attorneys bring decades of combined experience in Maryland criminal defense, including prior service as a Prince George's County State's Attorney and as a Supervising Public Defender.
How we calculate these numbers
¹ Resolved Without Conviction or Plea includes charges dismissed by the court, nolle prossed by the State, placed on the stet (inactive) docket, or resolved by acquittal. A stetted charge is not a dismissal; it may be reactivated by the State or Defense upon request and is eligible for expungement three years after the stet date under Md. Code, Crim. Proc. Section 10-105.
² Convictions Avoided includes all outcomes in footnote 1, plus probation before judgment (PBJ), which under Md. Code, Crim. Proc. Section 6-220 is not a conviction.
Percentages are calculated against resolved cases only; pending matters are excluded. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome in any future matter.
Proven Track Record
Recent Notable Outcomes
Prince George's County
Client charged with DUI. The State was unprepared on the trial date and dismissed the case.
Luke Woods
Prince George's County
State persuaded to stop pursuing auto theft charge after Defense demonstrated that police were the source of evidence initially thought to link the client to the offense.
Luke Woods
Montgomery County County
Client charged with DUI after Officer followed him from a bar and observed bad driving. Client was in a bar fight and had facial injuries consistent with his story. Client performed field sobriety and was arrested before providing a breath sample over the limit. At trial attorney Max Frizalone was able to impeach the Officer who testified under oath that he smelled a strong odor of alcohol, but was recorded on his body camera admitting to smelling no odor at the time of the stop. The State did not call the breath technician and our client was ultimately found not guilty.
Max Frizalone
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is different.
Based upon our Successes
Our Case Studies

Criminal case study
The Vindictive Ex
Multiple assault allegations dismissed after targeted investigation exposed credibility issues.
False accusations
Criminal defense
Dismissed

Criminal case study
Road Rage Assault
Evidence review and witness prep led to a favorable outcome in a contested assault case.
Assault charges
Jury trial
Defense strategy

Criminal case study
Speedy Trial Win
Serious firearm charges dismissed after asserting speedy trial rights and pressing discovery.
Firearm charges
Speedy trial
Dismissal
Meet your Legal Team
Our Criminal Defense Lawyers
Maryland Criminal Defense FAQ
Cost of Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Maryland
Defense should be within reach. Ask about flat fees and payment plans during your free consultation. We will map options that fit your budget.
Differences Between General Lawyers and Criminal Lawyers
Criminal defense only. At FrizWoods, your criminal case is handled by an attorney from day one. Our criminal lawyers appear in District and Circuit Courts across central Maryland, including Glen Burnie, Annapolis, Upper Marlboro, Hyattsville, Rockville, and Ellicott City. We build a plan that matches your goals, whether that is dismissal, reduction, or trial.
Steps to Take After Arrest in Maryland
Getting arrested is a frightening and overwhelming experience, but it's important to remain calm and take steps to protect your legal rights.
Rights During Criminal Investigations in Maryland
When you are taken into custody in Maryland, you have certain constitutional rights known as Miranda rights.
Role of Criminal Lawyers in Plea Agreements
A plea bargain is an agreement between a defendant and the prosecution in which the defendant might plead guilty or waive certain rights in exchange for a reduced sentence or charge.
What Factors Should I Consider When Hiring a Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney?
- Direct access: Questions at 10 p.m. or 6 a.m.? Reach us directly. We return calls and texts quickly so you are never guessing about your next court date or the status of your case.
- Relevant courtroom perspective: Our team includes former prosecutors, former public defenders, and military veterans. Those perspectives help us pressure test the State's case, spot issues early, and file the right motions at the right time.
- Clear plan: You will speak with an attorney and get next steps based on your goals.
Should I talk to the police before I have a lawyer?
Work With a Maryland Criminal Lawyer Focused on Outcomes
A criminal charge in Maryland demands fast, clear guidance. Our team is built for courtroom work and practical problem-solving. From the first call, you'll speak with an attorney who explains what the charge means, what happens next, and where we can press for the best possible result. We appear daily in District and Circuit Courts across Howard County, Prince George's County, Anne Arundel County, and surrounding jurisdictions.
What our Maryland criminal lawyers do
We provide a wealth of experience defending the full range of criminal and traffic matters, including DUI, drug charges, assault, firearm offenses, theft, felony cases, and probation violations. Every case gets a tailored plan grounded in facts, law, and your goals.
Our approach
- Early action: We move quickly on discovery, preservation of evidence, and targeted motions.
- Pressure-testing the State: Stop basis, search, statements, forensics, and witness credibility all get scrutinized.
- Leverage through preparation: We prepare as if the case will be tried—then use that work to negotiate from strength.
- Client Focused: We act in your best interests at every stage to secure the best possible outcome.
Where we appear
We have experience defending clients in Glen Burnie, Annapolis, Upper Marlboro, Hyattsville, Rockville, Ellicott City, and more. If you have court coming up, or think you're being investigated—talk to us before you speak to law enforcement.
Ready to talk? Connect with a Maryland criminal lawyer for a free consultation, or call (877) 343-1031 any time.





